Wireless receptor for communications within housings

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting information between a device within a housing to a second device, preferably a test or monitoring unit, outside of the housing. There are numerous issues associated with transferring information from within a sealed housing to an external device. In some cases, the use of wires inside the housing may be impractical, due to internal conditions, such as fluid flow, pressure or temperature. In one embodiment, the antenna of the external RF reading device is electrically connected to the dome of the housing. In another embodiment, the device within the housing is electrically connected to a housing component. In another embodiment, the gasket is used to pass information from within the housing to an external device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of wireless communication has become prevalent, especially inthe management of assets, particularly those applications associatedwith inventory management. For example, the use of RFID tags permits themonitoring of the production line and the movement of assets orcomponents through the supply chain.

To further illustrate this concept, a manufacturing entity may adhereRFID tags to components as they enter the production facility. Thesecomponents are then inserted into the production flow, formingsub-assemblies in combination with other components, and finallyresulting in a finished product. The use of RFID tags allows thepersonnel within the manufacturing entity to track the movement of thespecific component throughout the manufacturing process. It also allowsthe entity to be able to identify the specific components that compriseany particular assembly or finished product.

In addition, the use of RFID tags has also been advocated within thedrug and pharmaceutical industries. In Febuary 2004, the United StatesFederal and Drug Administration issued a report advocating the use ofRFID tags to label and monitor drugs. This is an attempt to providepedigree and to limit the infiltration of counterfeit prescription drugsinto the market and to consumers.

Since their introduction, RFID tags have been used in many applications,such as to identify and provide information for process control infilter products. U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,381, issued to Den Dekker in 1997,discloses the use of “electronic labels” in conjunction with filteringapparatus and replaceable filter assemblies. Specifically, the patentdiscloses a filter having an electronic label that has a read/writememory and an associated filtering apparatus that has readout meansresponsive to the label. The electronic label is adapted to count andstore the actual operating hours of the replaceable filter. Thefiltering apparatus is adapted to allow use or refusal of the filter,based on this real-time number. The patent also discloses that theelectronic label can be used to store identification information aboutthe replaceable filter.

A patent application by Baker et al, published in 2005 as U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US2005/0205658, discloses a processequipment tracking system. This system includes the use of RFID tags inconjunction with process equipment. The RFID tag is described as capableof storing “at least one trackable event”. These trackable events areenumerated as cleaning dates, and batch process dates. The publicationalso discloses an RFID reader that is connectable to a PC or aninternet, where a process equipment database exists. This databasecontains multiple trackable events and can supply information useful indetermining “a service life of the process equipment based on theaccumulated data”. The application includes the use of this type ofsystem with a variety of process equipment, such as valves, pumps,filters, and ultraviolet lamps.

Another patent application, filed by Jornitz et al and published in 2004as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0256328, discloses adevice and method for monitoring the integrity of filteringinstallations. This publication describes the use of filters containingan onboard memory chip and communications device, in conjunction with afilter housing. The filter housing acts as a monitoring and integritytester. That application also discloses a set of steps to be used toinsure the integrity of the filtering elements used in multi-roundhousings. These steps include querying the memory element to verify thetype of filter that is being used, its limit data, and its productionrelease data. This application also describes an internal transponderfor relaying information to an external monitoring and test unit. Anantenna is arranged adjacent to the transponder on the filter housing.

Despite the improvements that have occurred through the use of RFIDtags, there are additional areas that have not been satisfactorilyaddressed. For example, there are issues associated with the ability totransmit data from within a filter housing to an external test ormonitoring device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the present invention,which describes a system and method for transmitting information betweenthe interior of a housing and the exterior of that housing, such asbetween a device within the housing to a second device, preferably atest or monitoring unit, outside of the housing. There are numerousissues associated with transferring information from within a sealedhousing to an external device. In some cases, the use of wires insidethe housing may be impractical, due to internal conditions, such asfluid flow, pressure or temperature. In one embodiment, the antenna ofthe external RF reading device is electrically connected to a portion ofthe housing, such as the dome of the housing, such that the portion ofthe housing acts as the antenna. In another embodiment, the devicewithin the housing is electrically connected to a housing component. Inanother embodiment, a gasket, typically located between the housing domeand the housing base, is used to pass information from within thehousing to an external device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the filter assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative filtering system in accordance withthe present invention, such as that commercially available fromMillipore Corporation and sold under the name Filter Cartridge HousingSeries 2000 . The filter assembly (not shown) is enclosed with a housingdome 40. The filter assembly has a porous membrane, through whichcertain materials are able to pass, and the corresponding structure orframe necessary to support this membrane. In certain embodiments, thehousing dome is constructed of a non-corrosive, durable material, suchas but not limited to stainless steel and other metals or an assembly ofconductive and insulative materials. Typically, the housing dome 40 hasan opening 45 at the lower end, so that it can be connected to asuitable housing base 70. The housing base 70 usually contains thevarious inlets and outlets that allow fluid communication with thefilter assembly. For example, fluids can flow into the housing, passthrough the membrane of the filter assembly to be filtered and then bedrained from the filter assembly through the housing base. Like thehousing dome, the base is typically constructed of a non-corrosivematerial, such as stainless steel. The housing dome 40 is attached tothe housing base 70 so as to form a liquid-proof and airtight seal. Insome embodiments, the dome 40 is screwed into the housing base 70. Inother embodiments, the housing dome 40 is secured to the housing base 70through the use of a bottom clamp 50. The bottom clamp can beconstructed of any suitable material, capable of holding these twocomponents together. Typically, a bottom gasket 60 is positioned betweenthe housing dome 40 and the housing base 70 to insure the integrity ofthe seal between these components. Preferably, the bottom gasket 60 isconstructed using a flexible material, such as but not limited torubber.

In one embodiment, the housing dome 40 may also have an opening 48 atthe upper end. In this embodiment, a top connector 10 is used to sealthis opening. This connector is constructed from a suitablenon-corrosive material. As with the bottom opening, the top connectormay be screwed to the housing dome, or held in place using a top clamp30. The top clamp can be constructed of any suitable material, capableof holding these two components together. Typically, a top gasket 20 ispositioned between the housing dome 40 and the top connector 10 toinsure the integrity of the seal between these components. Preferably,the top gasket 20 is constructed using a flexible material, such as butnot limited to rubber.

As described above and shown in FIG. 3, within the housing dome 40 areone or more filter assemblies 200. These filter assemblies 200 can besimply a porous material, such as pleated paper. Alternatively, thefilter assembly 200 may be more complex; for example, comprising aframe, such as of plastic, and a porous material. Within the housing 40are electronic circuits 210, such as RFID tags, which can be used tostore various types of information about the components. For example,the electronic circuit 210 may include information such as the lotnumber, production date, test parameters, number of cycles used andother characteristics, properties, operating parameters and/or metrics.For example, these electronic circuits 210 may be attached or embeddedin the filter assemblies 200, and supply data associated with the filterassembly 200.

Outside of the housing dome is a device capable of communicating withthese electronic circuits, or tags. In one embodiment, a device 100,such as an RFID reader, is utilized. This device can be any RFID reader,commercially available from a number of companies. Alternatively, it canbe a proprietary reader. The device 100 is in communication with, eitherdirectly via a wired connection, or indirectly via a wirelessconnection, a computer 110. Alternatively, the device may only be incontact with the computer 110 intermittently. For example, the devicemay collect a variety of data and store that information internally. Atsome later time, the device is in communication with (either via a wiredor wireless connection) a computer 110. At this time, the devicetransfers internally stored data to the computer. The actual interactionbetween the device 100 and the computer 110 is not critical and avariety of methods are possible and known to those skilled in the art.Consequently, the present invention is not limited to any particularembodiment.

Attempting to pass a signal through the housing dome, especially if itis constructed from stainless steel, can be difficult, if notimpossible. However, the issue of transmitting information from withinthe housing dome 40 to the external reader 100 is resolved in a numberof ways by the present invention.

In a first embodiment, housing dome 40 is electrically isolated fromhousing base 70, preferably by utilizing an electrically nonconductivegasket, such as one constructed from rubber. In addition, the means forattaching the dome to the housing base is also non-conductive. Forexample, the bottom clamp 50 is constructed from non-conductivematerial, such as thermoplastic or other suitable materials. In thisway, the housing base can be grounded, if desired, while the housingdome is kept electrically isolated from it. The dome is preferablyconstructed of an electrically conductive material, such as copper orstainless steel.

Since the housing dome is not grounded or electrically connected to anyother components, it can be used to assist in transmitting signals fromwithin the dome to the external device, and vice-versa. In oneembodiment, the device, or RF reader, 100 is physically in contact withthe housing dome 40, so that the housing dome serves as the antenna forthe device. Thus, the housing dome serves to transmit signals from thedevice or RF reader to inside the housing, and also serves to receiveany signals transmitted from within the housing. In this embodiment, thedome is configured as a ¼ wave antenna installment. In this case, theantenna is configured as a monopole, or whip antenna, wherein only oneend of the traditional dipole antenna is used. Those of ordinary skillin the art appreciate that some tuning of the amplitude of thetransmitted signals may be required to optimize performance. Theembodiments do not limit the shape or materials of construction of thedome to allow someone skilled in the art to tune the effective antennasfor optimum performance.

In a second embodiment, the housing dome and housing base are isolatedfrom one another, as described above, and both are also isolated fromground. As in the first embodiment, the housing dome is connected to onepole of the device or reader antenna. However, since the housing base isalso isolated from ground, it can function as the other pole. Thus, thehousing dome and the housing base each function as a pole for a dipoleantenna. This is a double electrically floating installment, or astandard dipole antenna. The housing dome and the housing base are eachenergized by the reader and transmit and receive signals from within thehousing.

In a third embodiment, the dome is kept electrically isolated from thebase as described above. As above, the dome is preferably constructed ofan electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel. The domeis then used as an electrical conduit to transmit information from theembedded device directly to the external reader, as though there were awire between the devices. Preferably, a serial communication protocol isemployed between the circuitry within the housing and the externalreader. By having both the reader and the circuitry in physical contactwith the housing dome, an electrical connection can be made between theinternal circuit and the reader.

Alternatively, the gasket, which is in the shape of an “O”, thatseparates the housing dome from the housing base can be used to passsignals from within the housing to the external environment. In oneembodiment, a channel or feed through exists in the gasket, in whichelectrical wires can be placed. This channel, or feedthrough, extendsfrom the portion of the gasket that forms the inner circumference, tothe portion of the gasket that forms the outer circumference. Referringto FIG. 2, the channel 200 is visible at the outer edge of the gasket210. Thus, rather than having the circuitry in physical contact with thehousing dome, as described above, a wire, or set of wires, is used toconnect the internal circuitry to the external device or reader. Thetype of communication used and the particular protocol are implementdecisions and are all within the scope of the present invention.

As a modification to the above embodiments, the electrical connectionwithin the gasket 210 is attached to the housing components. Since thegasket is typically under compression when in use, it is possible toguarantee a connection between the gasket and the housing dome (andhousing base). In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, a small spring orsprings 220 is added to the gasket 210 to insure that the electricalconnections are in physical contact with the dome. In anotherembodiment, raised contact pads are located on the gasket and a physicalconnection is created because of the compression force exerted by theclamps. In the preferred embodiment, the channel 200 does not extendcompletely through the gasket. Rather, it extends a portion of the wayinto the gasket, where it is then made to contact with the dome or base.This mechanism provides a simpler method of attaching the antenna of theexternal device to the dome. For example, the antenna of the externaldevice is connected to the gasket only, with the gasket providing theconnection to the dome. In this way, the dome is unfettered by wires orother connection means. This allows the dome to be easily removed fromthe housing base, and later replaced. In one embodiment, the gasketincludes a connector on the outer circumference, suitable for an antennaconnection. The antenna of the external device is then connected to thisconnector, typically by a cable or other suitable means. Within thegasket, the signal is passed, preferably via one or more wires, to alocation where it is guaranteed to contact the housing dome, therebymaking the connection between the housing dome and the antenna of theexternal device. Similarly, two separate sets of contact mechanisms, oneon the upper side of the gasket facing the housing dome, and one on thelower side of the gasket, facing the housing base, can be utilized. Inthis way, separate (or the same) signals can be supplied to the housingdome and the housing base, in accordance with an earlier embodiment.

1. A filtering system comprising a. an electrically conductive housingdome, b. a filtering assembly comprising electronic circuitry, saidfiltering assembly located within said dome, c. a housing base, d. anelectrical insulating gasket interposed between said dome and said baseso as to keep them physically and electrically isolated; e. means forpressing said dome, said gasket and said base together so as to create aliquid-tight seal wherein said means maintains said electrical isolationbetween said dome and said base; and f. a device, external to saidhousing dome, adapted to wirelessly communicate with said circuitry,said external device adapted to utilize an antenna, and wherein saidhousing dome is in communication with said device so as to serve as saidpole of said antenna.
 2. The filtering system of claim 1, wherein saidhousing base is grounded.
 3. The filtering system of claim 1, whereinsaid housing base is serves as with a second pole of said antenna. 4.The filtering system of claim 1, wherein said means comprises anelectrically nonconductive clamp.
 5. The filtering system of claim 1,wherein said gasket has an inner and outer circumference and comprisesan electrical channel in communication with said housing dome and saidouter circumference, and said one pole of said antenna is incommunication with said channel.
 6. The filtering system of claim 1,wherein said gasket further comprises a connector located on said outercircumference in communication with said electrical channel.
 7. Thefiltering system of claim 5, wherein said electrical channel is incommunication with said housing dome via contact pads located on saidgasket.
 8. The filtering system of claim 5, wherein said electricalchannel is in communication with said housing dome via springs locatedon said gasket.
 9. The filtering system of claim 3, wherein said gaskethas an inner and outer circumference and comprises a first electricalchannel in communication with said housing dome and said outercircumference, and a second electrical channel in communication withsaid housing base and said outer circumference, said one pole of saidantenna is in communication with said first channel and said second poleof said antenna is in communication with said second channel.